By Paul Ehrlich
Re “Fight on for Good Ol’ Ebola U., Rah Rah”
Yesterday you asked, “Can (anyone) explain why President Obama can justify sending 3,000 ground troops to West Africa to fight Ebola.” To be accurate, the President is sending 3,000 military personnel to three countries in sub-Sahara Africa. These are not ground troops.
First, what is the stated mission of the U.S. military? In the words of the Dept. of Defense, “The mission of the Department of Defense is to provide the military forces needed to deter war and to protect the security of our country.” This can be accomplished either by peaceful means or war means.
In sub-Sahara Africa, the mission is strictly peaceful. The fairly new countries in this part of the world are relatively weak, often corrupt, economically poor. Ebola is spreading rapidly. It is a clear threat internationally, and to our country, unless action is taken to contain this deadly disease and stabilize the local societies and governments.
America has the resources and leadership abilities to fight diseases and international disasters. Our military has helped many countries to recover, including in recent years, after the earthquakes and cholera epidemics in Haiti and Pakistan. A hundred years ago, work on the Panama Canal was halted due to a widespread outbreak of yellow fever — until the good work of U.S. Army Dr. Walter Reed found a cause and method of control so work could be resumed.
Also a hundred years ago the Navy’s “Great White Fleet” was instrumental in helping Italy recover after its major earthquake.
The three countries with Ebola crises are along Africa’s west coast. U.S. Navy ships are uniquely qualified to provide immediate help since they are equipped with on-board combat hospitals. The Army can be called upon to supply helicopters, logistic support, air traffic control, medical supplies, clean water, and safe disposal of contaminated blood and bodily fluids.
America can — and should — demonstrate a positive image of discipline, leadership, generosity, science and a global force for greatness.
Mr. Ehrlich’s daughter Heidi, a graduate of Culver City schools, and her husband work for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in South Africa. Mr. Ehrlich may be contacted at PMSHA@aol.com
